Dear Editor,
I endorse the view expressed in letter by Quado Vancooten ‘We need a new bridge across the Demerara River‘ (SN Jul 26). Yes we do need a state of the art bridge with some kind of attractive aesthetics of which the nation can be proud.
Even before a portion of the bridge collapsed, I was telling Guyanese friends and guests from Mauritius two weeks ago when we crossed the bridge in a vehicle that we need a new one.
My guests commented on the state of the bridge, and pointed to rotting parts and were fearful of sinking into the river when crossing it. “Where is management, the line Minister, and the government,” they asked regarding its poor state. I was embarrassed and could not provide them with an answer.
I recall some years ago in a SN report President Bharrat Jagdeo chiding management for the deterioration of the 34-year-old bridge. At that time the then President described its neglect as “almost criminal” and mandated repairs. But no one was held accountable for the neglect of the bridge to send a message to staff as would have been normal.
The bridge has lived beyond its life and it is time we look to constructing a new bridge.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
